Lance harley

PNP SEIZES ₱4.7M WORTH OF SMUGGLED CI******ES IN NEGROS ORIENTAL

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., confiscated suspected smuggled ci******es worth ₱4.7 million during a maritime interdiction operation conducted before dawn on March 14, 2026, in Sitio Lintog, Barangay Nagbo-alao, Basay, Negros Oriental.

The seizure was carried out by operatives of the PNP Maritime Group’s 4th Special Operations Unit (4th SOU) following information from a confidential informant regarding the unloading of contraband ci******es along the coastal area. Acting on the information, Maritime Group operatives coordinated with the Basay Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office to conduct verification and interdiction operations at the identified site.

Upon the arrival of authorities, several individuals involved in the unloading activity fled the area after noticing the presence of law enforcement, abandoning numerous boxes of ci******es believed to have been illegally brought into the country. A wooden motorized banca suspected of transporting the contraband immediately departed from the shoreline before authorities could enter the finger port compound.

A subsequent inspection of the abandoned cargo resulted in the confiscation of 83 boxes of branded ci******es, with a total estimated value of ₱4,755,900.00. The shipment consisted of ₱4,469,000.00 worth of white-pack branded ci******es and ₱286,900.00 worth of red-pack branded ci******es. The items were inventoried at the scene in the presence of a Barangay Kagawad of Sitio Lintog, Barangay Nagbo-alao, who served as witness to the operation.

The seized contraband was later transported to the headquarters of the 4th Special Operations Unit for documentation and proper disposition, while the official valuation and further assessment will be determined by the National To***co Administration.

PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the importance of sustained maritime vigilance to prevent the entry of smuggled goods into the country.

“Smuggling activities weaken legitimate trade and deprive the government of essential revenues. The Philippine National Police remains firm in protecting our maritime borders and ensuring that illegal trade networks are disrupted,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Hindi natin papayagan na maging daanan ng kontrabando ang ating mga baybayin. Patuloy na kikilos ang PNP upang pigilan ang pagpasok ng mga kontrabando at panagutin ang mga nasa likod ng ganitong gawain,” he added.

The accomplishment reflects the continuing implementation of the PNP Focused Agenda—an operational framework of transformation designed to make police service more responsive and trusted by the public. Among its key priorities is Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven enforcement and maritime operations to prevent smuggling and other unlawful activities along the country’s coastal areas.

As the PNP continues to intensify maritime security operations and coastal monitoring to curb smuggling activities under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

CYBER OPS IN ILIGAN RESULTS IN ARREST OF CHILD EXPLOITATION SUSPECT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against online child exploitation following an early morning cybercrime operation in Iligan City on March 14, 2026, aimed at protecting children from abuse and exploitation in the digital space.

At about 12:55 AM, joint operatives of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 10, together with personnel of the Iligan City Police Office, City Mobile Force Battalion, and the PNP Maritime Group, implemented a Warrant to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data in Purok Kilumco, Camague, Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City. The operation resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old male suspect known by the alias “Alodia Monastacio.”

The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court in Iligan City for violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act.

During the operation, authorities recovered several electronic devices and digital storage materials believed to be linked to the offense. An on-site digital forensic examination conducted by cybercrime investigators confirmed the presence of multiple child sexual abuse or exploitation materials, which led to the suspect’s immediate arrest.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the National Coordination Center Against OSAEC and CSAEM, and the Department of Justice Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force.

It was also led by women personnel of the anti-cybercrime unit as part of the observance of Women’s Month and the continuing effort to protect women and children from abuse.

Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the operating units and reaffirmed the PNP’s strong stance against online exploitation of children.

“Hindi natin papayagan na gamitin ang internet para sa pang-aabuso sa ating mga kabataan. Mananagot ang sinumang sangkot sa ganitong krimen,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Our cybercrime investigators are continuously strengthening their capabilities to detect and stop these activities. Tuloy-tuloy ang ating operasyon para maprotektahan ang ating mga anak laban sa online exploitation,” PGEN Nartatez added.

The suspect is now under the custody of the Iligan City Police Office for documentation and inquest proceedings.

This operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations and the broader directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen protection for vulnerable sectors and ensure safer communities, as the PNP continues to uphold its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

March 16, 2026
Gospel: John 4:43-54
Reflection: “New Blessings daily”